In Serbia, the police are intensifying their efforts to suppress mass protests following allegations of election fraud in the country's recent general election.
The parliamentary and local elections of the country took place on December 17. President Aleksandar Vucic's party has announced a resounding triumph, claiming a commanding victory.
Serbia Faces Mounting Protests Over 'Electoral Fraud'
Opposition supporters take part in a march during a protest in Belgrade, on December 26, 2023, a week after the parliamentary and local elections in Serbia. A few hundred citizens gathered in front of a court late on December 26, in Belgrade in support of the arrested in the December 24 protests against what they say was electoral fraud in Serbia's recent parliamentary and local elections.
In a strong display of unity, the main opposition coalition, rallying behind the powerful message "Serbia against violence," has vehemently criticized the alleged electoral fraud. They claim that voters from neighboring Bosnia were unlawfully permitted to cast their ballots in the capital, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the election process.
Thousands of individuals have converged outside the police headquarters in Belgrade. Dozens of individuals have been detained following their attempt to forcefully enter the city council premises.
Belgrade's opposition candidate, Vladimir Obradovic, asserts that their relentless efforts will continue unabated.For nine consecutive days, a series of protests, featuring road blocks, have been meticulously organized with the goal of invalidating the current election results and advocating for the implementation of a fresh election.
The country's electoral commission has made the decision to schedule a partial re-run for December 30. Serbia has announced a re-run of elections in a limited number of polling booths. Out of the country's vast network of over 8,000 polling booths, this re-run is scheduled to take place in a mere 30 locations.
In a staunch defense, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic maintains that the recently concluded election was conducted in a fair manner. According to Russia, a key ally of Serbia, the ongoing civil unrest in the country is being instigated by foreign agents. Per SBS, opposition activists, such as protester Nikola Jelic, have accused the government of unfairly claiming victory.
Several hundred demonstrators have successfully obstructed the street in central Belgrade, specifically targeting the area where the public administration and local self-government ministry is situated. In swift succession, additional roadblocks emerged, manifesting in the shape of street soccer and volleyball.
The protesters, primarily composed of students and organized under the movement known as "Borba" (Fight), expressed their support for the opposition's allegations of fraud. These demonstrations began on December 18, just one day after the elections took place.
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Serbians Urge to Annul Election Result
Calls for a revision of the voter roll have been made, with the claim that it served as the origin of the alleged electoral fraud. In a statement released by the ministry, it was asserted that the registry stands as one of the most current records available. Vucic's party has officially declared its victory, claiming to have secured over half of the 250 seats in parliament.
The main opposition coalition, known as "Serbia against violence," has made a strong statement denouncing alleged electoral fraud. According to the coalition, voters from neighboring Bosnia were allowed to cast their ballots illegally in the capital, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
In central Belgrade, on Monday, a demonstration unfolded in front of the offices of the state electoral commission. This location has witnessed several protests in the past few days.
In a display of unified opposition, seven members from the main opposition camp, rallying under the collective name "Serbia Against Violence," have embarked on a hunger strike. Their objective is to push for the annulment of the election results and advocate for a fresh round of elections.
According to Radomir Lazovic, a deputy from the opposition coalition "Serbia against Violence," there remains a possibility for the crisis to come to a resolution. Lazovic stated to AFP that this could be achieved if those involved acknowledged the presence of fraud and proceeded to annul the elections.
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